About Us
Makropedia is a special project of Planetary Health, Inc., a nonprofit educational organization and sponsor of Macrobiotic Summer Conference and Macrobiotic Wellness Retreat. PH also host Amberwaves, a grassroots network to protect the natural food supply from genetic engineering, climate change, and other threats and keep America and the planet beautiful.
Makropedia was conceived of about 10 years ago in Amsterdam by Adelbert Nelissen, Alex Jack, Wieke Nelissen, David and Nicola McCarthy, and Jarka Adamcova. Research began in 2008 and continued until Adelbert's sudden passing in 2014. The project was revived in 2017 under the aegis of Planetary Health, Inc., and is now administered by Alex Jack, Bettina Zumdick, Edward Esko and Naomi Ichikawa Esko.
Alex Jack is president of Planetary Health and has served as executive director of Kushi Institute and editor-in-chief of East West Journal. He has helped introduce macrobiotics to China and Russia and has written many books with Michio and Aveline Kushi, including The Cancer Prevention Diet, Aveline Kushi’s Complete Guide to Macrobiotic Cooking, The Book of Macrobiotics, and One Peaceful World. He is on the guest faculty of the Kushi Institute of Europe and has presented at the Cardiology Institute in St. Petersburg, the Zen Temple in Beijing, Shakespeare’s New Globe Theatre in London, and Rosas Dance Company in Brussels. He is the founder of www.thecancerpreventiondiet.com.
Bettina Zumdick is a teacher, counselor, humanitarian, and author who has integrated modern knowledge of the West with the ancient wisdom of the East. With a strong background in Food Science, Dietetics, and Nutrition from Wilhelms University in Muenster, Germany, she has shared her knowledge of food as medicine for over 30 years. Her experience in the fields of holistic health, wellness, and macrobiotics has helped thousands of people to regain and maintain their health and vibrancy. She is the author of Authentic Foods and founder of the Culinary Medicine School in Lee, MA. www.culinarymedicineschool.com
Edward Esko is vice president of Planetary Health and has served as associate director of Kushi Institute, executive director of the East West Foundation, and founder of Quantum Rabbit LLC, a new technology company dedicated to a healthy and sustainable future. He is the author of Contemporary Macrobiotics, Yin Yang Primer, Rice Field Essays, One Peaceful Universe, and other books. He is the founder of
of Macrobiotic Classroom: www.macrobiotic
classroom.com.
Naomi Ichikawa Esko is a 2010 graduate of the Kushi Institute in Becket. Prior to her study at the K.I., she worked in the restaurant industry in her native Tokyo. In 2011 she established a teaching and counseling center in Tokyo known as Macrobiotics Japan (macrobiotics-japancom) Through her personal experience with successful weight loss and weight management, she began offering special weight loss counseling to clients in the Tokyo area. She also began a consulting business advising restaurants in the development of healthy menus. She also served as a private chef guiding clients in the preparation of healthful and delicious macrobiotic vegan meals. She recently married Edward Esko and resides with her husband in western Massachusetts.
Alex Jack (top left), Bettina Zumdick (center), and Edward Esko and Naomi Ichikawa Esko (lower left)
Adelbert Nelissen, founder of Manna Foods and the Kushi Institute of Europe, was the guiding force behind Makropedia and this site is dedicated to him
Donation
In the spirit of “One Grain, Ten Thousand Grains,” Makropedia is dedicated to sharing and multiplying the many blessings and gifts we have received from our mentors, nature, and the infinite universe.
The spiral of history is now climaxing, all domains are converging, and the next 20 years will be the most challenging time in human history. Macrobiotic teachings and holistic practices are more urgently needed than ever to help humanity pass safely through this era and create a bright, healthy future. We invite you to join us in this incredible adventure. Your suggestions, participation, and positive thoughts and prayers are gratefully appreciated.
Your tax-deductible donation is needed to help support Makropedia.
Whether $10, $20, $50, $100, or more, please give whatever you can comfortably afford. In appreciation for your donation of $100 or more, we will send you a complimentary copy of the newly revised and updated edition of One Peaceful World, the classic book on creating a healthy and harmonious mind, home, and world community by Michio Kushi and Alex Jack. The new book was just published in early 2017 and includes many of Michio Kushi's final teachings.
Contributions may be made by credit card online through PayPal.com or by check payable to "Planetary Health" and mailed to Planetary Health, Box 487, Becket MA 01223.
In peace and harmony,
Alex Jack, Bettina Zumdick, Edward Esko, and Naomi Ichikawa Esko